by Chris Alexion, Copyright December 04, 2006, all rights reserved. 318 views
"In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to see traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful."
- C. S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man (New York: Macmillan, 1955), p. 35
1 • Steve • December 04, 2006 • 6:12 PM
Chris, I
2 • James Eglinton • December 07, 2006 • 12:22 PM
Excellent reminder from CS Lewis.
It makes me think of the song 'Generation Sex' by the Divine Comedy (one of my favourite bands). The song points out all the ridiculous paradoxes of our generation:
"Generation sex elects the type of guys
you wouldn't leave your kids with,
and shouts 'off with their heads'
if they get laid…
Generation sex respects the rights of girls
who want to take their clothes off -
as long as we can all watch, that's ok…
Lovers watch their backs as hacks in macs take snaps
through telefoto lenses,
and chase Mercedes-Benzes through the night.
A mourning nation weeps and wails
and keeps the sales of evil tabloids healthy,
the poor protect the wealthy in this world…"
The last verse is a reference to the deaths of Diana and Dodi al-Fayed. Lyrically it is outstanding. The sad part, though, is that it was written by a son of the manse who is not a believer.
3 • Chris • December 12, 2006 • 7:28 PM
Thanks, James. Lewis also has a great quote (from God in the Dock, I think)in which he points out that cultures obsessed with sex are paradoxically unfruitful. Those who worship the life force, says Lewis, rarely leave any offspring behind to continue the faith.
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